Best endurance/gravel bike in Trek's lineup? Domane SL5 Vs Checkpoint SL5.

[@808_TexN]

I have a Domane SL 6 Gen 4 and running 40” Schwalbe G-One R on my old DT Swiss Gravel LN wheels as my gravel setup. There’s plenty of clearance.

[@GetOutArizona]

That's a sweet setup you have, my friend. Thank you for adding to the conversation.

[@ericmenu5408]

I tried both in my local bike shop, and I much preferred the Domane compared to the Checkpoint. To my surprise the Domane is much more upright and confortable than the Checkpoint. And so as it is also a little bit lighter, my choice is done.

[@GetOutArizona]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and leave your feedback, my friend. Yes, it's surprising there is that difference in the geometry.

[@TitoRiveros-t9d]

You guys were awesome, super insightful and funny as shit keep up the great work !

[@GetOutArizona]

I apologize for the delay in response. I've been traveling a lot lately. I appreciate you taking the time to watch the video as well as leave your feedback. Both are appreciated.

[@johnsampson2544]

I have that same Checkpoint sitting at the shop right now. She's waiting for a dropper post (since the one I asked them to order with the bike back in Oct. didn't fit). I'm hoping to pick her up by next week. Now the weather in Boise just needs to warm up and stay dry. I've been riding a Marlin 7 (3x9) for the last 3 seasons, primarily on paved roads. I did 1550 mi last season. I'm hoping to hit 2000 mi this year on the Checkpoint.

[@GetOutArizona]

That is awesome, John; I hope you reach your mileage goal and then some. Thank you for taking the time to watch as well as sharing with us. Please keep us posted on how you're enjoying the checkpoint as your riding season progresses. Adventure safely, my friend.

[@johnsampson2544]

@@GetOutArizona Update: I did a ride mid-April for my 60th birthday. I did 65 miles, taking care of 60 for the 60th and my first metric century. I've also been going out and climbing some hills. I did 40+ miles this weekend with 1566 ft of ascent. I've done 10k+ since I got the Checkpoint. The climbing muscles still need work, but we're getting there.

[@GetOutArizona]

That is awesome, my friend, and I am sure you will obtain your goal. Please keep us posted on your progress. Thank you for taking the time to watch and share with us. Both are appreciated.

[@brentprockert5679]

2 great bikes! something else i would like to see discussed is upgrading the wheels for these two bikes. I own the Domane and am going to be upgrading the wheels very soon. Looking at the Aeolus 37 and Aeolus 3V. I'm leaning heavily to the 37 but also considering purchasing the 3V and using when i do gravel rides. I would love Brandon's thoughts on this.

[@GetOutArizona]

Brent, I will reach out to him and get back to you. Please give me a few days, and thank you for your patience.

[@brentprockert5679]

@@GetOutArizona no worries thank you. I should add i mostly ride the road. but do ride some gravel occasionally and have a few 125 mile gravel rides coming up.

[@GetOutArizona]

@@brentprockert5679 This is straight from Brandon. The V3 would be a great choice. They will handle 28-64. Since I’m positive he won’t go smaller than 28, he’ll have all the options available to him as he goes with larger tires. What I like about the 37 is the DT Swiss internals. Wile I’m sure the 37 can handle a larger tire- they were built for aerodynamics and so have only been demonstrated on 28mm as the largest tire size. Hope that helps. Thanks again Brent for your patience and I hope this is helpful.

[@teggyls98]

It's good to know it handles hash well!

[@f1hotrod527]

Checkpoint. It’s just a bad ass bike. I have my choice down to checkpoint SL6 and Lauf seigla. Think I will go with the Trek.

[@GetOutArizona]

I love my SL5. She is a beast on the trail. Thanks for watching, my friend.

[@rickmoses5081]

Hey guys. AWESOME INFO! This is Rick Moses of Dallas. I’m the one that owns the Madone SLR6 & was looking at the Emonda SL 5. You mentioned me just now in this episode. Yes, I went to my local Trek shop and road the Emonda. SL 5. I will be going back to ride the Emonda SL5 then hop right on the Domane SL5 back to back. From there I will make my choice. I about 99% going with the Emonda SL5 but I’m willing to give both bikes a fair chance to go home with me and join the Madone SLR6. I will update you with my choice! Till then, Ride well, well, ride!🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️

[@GetOutArizona]

That is awesome Rick and yes, please keep us posted. I am curious to see how your bike journey ends. Have a great day my friend and thanks again for your support.

[@jeffsancricca7041]

I’m deciding between the bikes…. I looked at the Domane today. the grey is spectacular in person. My only hesitation, the tires on the Domane, just wonder if this bike might get a little squirrelly? I currently ride a CP ALR5 2021 edition. Looking for a little more comfort on my 40+ mile rides, which are 90% paved bike paths and Michigan “urban gravel” roads.

[@GetOutArizona]

Hey Jeff, thank you for taking the time to watch as well as ask your questions. I am coming up on the 500-mile mark on my SL5 Checkpoint, and I couldn't be happier. She is definitely at home on the rougher gravel roads but pedals with ease on any paved surface, i.e., asphalt, concrete, etc. That being said, I will still purchase a Domane this fall for all my predominantly paved adventures with some offroad elements for a more efficient ride. I have several friends that pound the heck out of their Domane and have had no issues with control or handling. I also feel that prudence and common sense help this along. I feel that either bike will leave you satisfied with your needs. However, for the style of riding you will do, the Domane will be the right choice. I hope this answer is helpful to you, Jeff. Thank you again for your support. Please let me know which bike you choose and as always, adventure safely.

[@tipntrn]

Thanks for the great reviews on the new Domane! I have a 2019 Domane SL6 and am considering the new one. Do you know if the stem on the new one can be replaced? I have neck issues so I use a 70mm 35 deg upward stem on mine. Keith

[@GetOutArizona]

Hey Keith, I am sorry for the delay in answering your question. Thank you for taking the time to watch as well as ask your great question. Yes, you should be able to fit a stem that will suit your needs for a comfortable riding experience. I am in the same boat, so fitment can be an issue at times for me as well. Thanks again for watching, and if you make the leap to the new-gen, enjoy it and adventure safely.

[@alj.granda8252]

Great explanation of both! Thx!

[@GetOutArizona]

We appreciate your feedback, my friend. Thank you for watching.

[@rn.gaming9278]

What can you say about issues on the isospeed? Causing seatpost drop and cracking sound during ride

[@GetOutArizona]

It may be out of adjustment. I'd run it by your local trek dealer and have them provide service. That should do the trick. I have been fortunate and haven't had any issues.

[@ebcbert]

Thomas my Domane is awesome! Never had a more versatile bike. Excellent road bike as you kno I ride mostly. Whith the ability for 38cm tires I bought wheels off Pros Closet for easy swap to studded or cx tires Keep up the good work, my friend!

[@GetOutArizona]

Thank you, Bert for continuing to support us and taking the time to leave your feedback. Be safe my friend.

[@ebcbert]

@@GetOutArizona pleasure sir. Only 198 til TDF!

[@ercmadden]

If I could only have one of these for gravel and road (assuming a second wheel set), I’ll take the checkpoint to ensure the wider tire clearance if I need it. I’m not winning a crit or group ride even on a madone or Emonda 😂

[@GetOutArizona]

Hey Eric, we appreciate you taking the time to watch and leave your feedback. Adventure safely, my friend.

[@dan69golf]

Late to this. In ride mtb moving to one of these. I see a checkpoint full carbon that is a 1x not 2x. Will i see a huge difference in performance. Looking at a 50 50 split gravel/ road should i go 1 or 2 by? Also i have been test riding checkpoint and low have lower back soreness. This i take it is from no rear shock and ill get a custom to this? Only put about 8 miles on test ride

[@GetOutArizona]

Dan, I'm sorry it took me so long to respond to your question. I have been traveling. I appreciate you taking the time to watch our video and ask. That being said, the advantage of a 2x will only be noticed if you're riding with a group of roadies, as it will be a little harder to keep up without that larger front charring. My checkpoint is a 2x but I will be upgrading it to the new SRAM 1x 13 speed. As far as your lower back pain. I would assume it's from the bike not being adjusted to your dimensions. My has been fitted to me, and I do not have the back pain issue. I hope these answers were helpful to you, my friend and again I apologize for the delay. Let us know what decision you made with your checkpoint and always adventure safely.

[@carlosandmaya1067]

I know this is an apples/oranges question, what about the Domane+ Al5 set up as gravel and some road?

[@GetOutArizona]

Not at all, this is a great question Carlos. Thank you for asking. The Domane+ AL5 would make a great choice for a gravel bike. I’d recommend nothing smaller than a 38mm for the tire size and then at some point upgrading the rim set. The gravel kings are a great tubeless tire for this application. Thanks again for asking your question as well as watching. I hope this answer is helpful for you. Adventure safely, my friend.

[@Jacob99174]

Since we’ve established the “non-cool kid” has a bike sickness: Which mtb and non-mtb are your favorite bikes thus far?

[@GetOutArizona]

Hey Tim, thanks for asking such a great question. My favorite MTB is my Fuel EX. She is like my Tacoma; she goes anywhere, does everything kinda gal. Non-MTB would be a three-way split between the Specialized Diverge, the Salsa Cutthroat, and my beloved Checkpoint. I would not complain if either of the other two took up a permanent residence in my garage. Of course, I could never overlook the Salsa Timberjack, the Surly Krampus, the Specialized Chisel, and the Trek Domane. I hope this answer is helpful, Tim. Thanks again for the question and support.

[@Jacob99174]

@@GetOutArizona it was helpful to illustrate how truly bike-sick you are! Lol Fuel EX - definitely can see that How about between Diverge or Checkpoint? Must pick one.

[@GetOutArizona]

@@Jacob99174 The Diverge. It has an option for an active 60mm of "travel." At my age, I'll take what I can get in the form of suspension, lol. 😉

[@trippy325]

I love my Trek Roscoe and would love a Domane.

[@GetOutArizona]

@@trippy325 Oh yes, the Roscoe is on my list of bikes.

[@mister_ray]

I split the difference with the Trek Boone. It can do gravel and pavement fine. Can run up to a 40mm tire. Very nimble fun all road bike.

[@GetOutArizona]

Ray, you are one of the lucky ones who was able to snag one before they were discontinued. I am envious of that, my friend. Thank you for taking the time to watch and leave your feedback/comments. Both are appreciated.

[@Flinches]

What about a 50-50 split between road and gravel? Which to get?

[@GetOutArizona]

This is a fantastic question. Thank you for asking. As I own the Checkpoint SL5, I would choose this if I were doing a 50/50 split. Do one set of rims with 43s and another with 28s or 32s. The geometry on the checkpoint is amazing and closely resembles the Domane. The advantage is having a larger tire for any gravel ride. I hope this answer is helpful. Thanks again for asking your question as well as watching. Both are appreciated.

[@AndiXu-od7qr]

I want to know which one you prefer， checkpoint sl5 or alr5. Thanks

[@GetOutArizona]

Hey Andi, thanks for watching and asking your question. I own the Checkpoint SL5 and have just under 600 miles on it now. I'll be doing my full review soon. Here's the spoiler, though, I love it! She rides like a dream, and I have taken her over some rough terrain. I hope this short answer was helpful, Andi. Feel free to ask any specific questions you may have. Thanks again for the support and adventure safely.

[@mjl325is]

I am curious to know if there was a noticeable geometry like any stack and reach difference between the two that you could tell? On the charts they are close.

[@GetOutArizona]

Hey HJ, thank you for asking such a great question. This answer is based on my personal ride experience. On the Domane, I feel slightly more upright, and on the Checkpoint, I feel slightly stretched. Neither is a bad experience, and both bikes fit me very well. However, I feel someone with different body proportions would have a different experience, while some may perceive differences at all. I also feel proper fitment comes into play at some point. I hope my answer is helpful, MJ. Thank you again for the support and interaction. Both are appreciated. Adventure safely, my friend.

[@Mytreecare]

I ride on the road with the exception of some hours at the park with my niece. I walked into the shop yesterday here looking to purchase a Domane SLR for $9000, but the shop had Checkpoint SLR Project One bike marked down from $13,200 to $7000. The manager told me he thought it would make a fine road bike, but I do plan to ride in Fort Davis and there are some pretty decent mountains that climb up to 9800 ft. I fear that I have made a mistake, should I return the Checkpoint and pick up the Domane?

[@GetOutArizona]

That is a tough question, my first. I have hundreds of road miles on my checkpoint SL5 with gravel tires. I'd say if you changed the tire size to 28mm, you should be okay. Or, purchase a set of road rims and rock and roll. That SLR Checkpoint has to be amazing to ride regardless. I hope this answer is helpful. I appreciate you watching and asking your question. Let us know what you end up doing.

[@Mytreecare]

@@GetOutArizona it’s an SLR 9 ETAP, I ended up having a good long discussion with them today and just decided to keep the bike and as you suggested purchased a set of wheels and tires.

[@GetOutArizona]

@@Mytreecare Awesome, thanks for sharing that with us and our viewers. I am envious of your setup. Ride safely, my friend.

[@AndyCrow]

Thoughts on the Checkpoint SL 5 vs the ALR 5?

[@GetOutArizona]

The major difference will be in ride comfort, with the SL being more comfortable than the ALR. That being said, the ALR is $900 less expensive as well. You're still getting the GRX group, the carbon fork, and the same clearance for your tires. I own the SL5 and love it. However, saving $900 that can go towards pedals, maybe a new helmet or shoes is no joke either.

[@GetOutArizona]

I hope this answer is helpful to you, my friend. Keep us posted on which one you choose. Thanks for watching and for the great question.

[@nickpatten5263]

Great video GOA I’m watching from Australia and deciding between the ALR5 and SL5 or 6 at the moment. Love the information which helps immensely. Still undecided but comes down to price as well as specs.

[@GetOutArizona]

@@nickpatten5263 Nick, thank you for taking the time to watch as well as share. Both are immensely appreciated. I agree, budgetary needs often played a huge role in what bike I choose as well. Let us know which one you decide to go with my friend. Adventure safely.

[@kksaute]

what do you need to make check point Blendr compatible ?

[@GetOutArizona]

Great question Khal, and thanks for asking. It’s as simple as swapping out stem on the handlebars for a Blendr one. I believe the SL6 and the SLR series already have this option. Thanks again for watching and your question; both are appreciated. Adventure safely my friend.

[@kksaute]

@@GetOutArizona Nice! Thanks for the swift answer.. I think this video has swayed my decision from Domane' to Checkpoint...

[@GetOutArizona]

@@kksaute They are both amazing bikes. I am looking forward to getting my Domane end of summer.

[@StephenCinAZ]

@@GetOutArizona According to Trek's website, the Checkpoint SL 5 comes with a Blendr stem. Is this not accurate?

[@GetOutArizona]

@@StephenCinAZ Hey Lanovran, thanks for taking the time to watch and ask your question. Both are appreciated. I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. I wanted to be thorough. Yes, they are now shipping with a Blendr computable stem without substitutions. However, the one I own does not have a Blendr-compatible stem; I verified this myself and with Brandon. Ask me why mine has a Praxis crank instead of a GRX??? For some time, bike manufacturers were experiencing a parts shortage. This meant that bikes would ship with mixed-matched component sets and sometimes did not reflect what was advertised on the website. This is why an asterisk states that some parts can change without notice from the manufacturer. According to Trek, this is no longer an issue. Again, thank you for asking your question my friend. I hope this answers helped to answer it.

[@mikebayless4268]

So I need to buy a Domane for road and some very little grave... Trek roscoe for hill riding(aka not to crazy of mountain biking) And keep my FX3 for around town and with the kids ??? 😂 $7500 with off bikes for myself!

[@GetOutArizona]

Mike that is a plan if I have ever heard of one! I love it!

[@mikebayless4268]

@GetOutArizona I'm hearing there's a big Trek sale starting March 1st... gonna pick up my Roscoe 8 then... I'm planing on doing a 50 mile or 70 mile Tour de Big Bear event this summer with a Domane sl5

[@GetOutArizona]

@@mikebayless4268 I need to ask Brandon about that. If there's a sale, I need to get in on it.

[@justinfo-jepy355]

i put 45c on my checkpoint. still has room. maybe even 55c is okay.....

[@GetOutArizona]

That's good information to have. Thank you for sharing that with our other viewers and us. Thank you also for taking the time to watch. We appreciate the support.

[@sharethefootage1088]

Just got a checkpoint. Only rode a mile or two so far. Time to hang it in the garage for the next 17 years. Ha. No. Can't wait to wear it out over the next few years.

[@GetOutArizona]

I appreciate you watching, my friend. I already started wearing mine out, 😉

[@goodboyringo9716]

Gen 4 Domane

[@GetOutArizona]

She is a beauty that’s for sure.

[@goodboyringo9716]

@@GetOutArizona .... Yes she is . I took your advice about the Domane being the better gravel bike or all around between them. The only thing that kills me is the 3500.00 lol

[@GetOutArizona]

@@goodboyringo9716 Yeah, that’s why I have to wait to get mine. April is two new camera bodies so I’m planning for that. She will be mine by the end of summer.

[@rockarocky1384]

I own a Trek Domane SL5, it's an anvil.

[@GetOutArizona]

Great word usage, my friend. Thank you for watching and sharing your comments.

[@jon6346]

2 minutes in and no actual information... I'm out

[@GetOutArizona]

We appreciate your feedback, my friend.